The Mt. Tabor Visitor Center, conceived and operated by Friends of Mt. Tabor Park (FMTP) has now been open most weekends and selected weekdays for 19 months (since November, 2011). Based upon FMTP’s visitor count, the center will host its 10,000th visitor on Saturday, August 10, 2013.

“10,000 visitors is a milestone that shows how valuable this Friends of Mt. Tabor endeavor is for the park, our visitors, and the City as a whole,” says Portland Parks Commissioner Amanda Fritz. “A sincere congratulations to Friends of Mount Tabor for this remarkable achievement. Here’s to the next 10,000!”

The Friends of Mt Tabor Park will host a free, public celebration at the Mt. Tabor Visitor Center on Saturday, August 10 from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. Cake will be served, and the eagerly anticipated 10,000th visitor will receive gifts courtesy of FMTP.

“Guests come by from all over the world,” remarks Dave Hillman of Friends of Mt. Tabor Park. “Last weekend we had a family from Copenhagen, a group from Hungary, a guest from Indonesia, another from northern England, several from numerous states and Canada, not to mention all over the greater Portland area. We seem to be a world destination!”

Inspired by a similar venture at the Hoyt Arboretum, the Mt.Tabor Visitor Center was created out of an existing Portland Parks &

Recreation building, and is staffed by FMTP volunteers. The non-profit Portland Parks Foundation fully supports FMTP’s efforts in creating and maintaining the center. The Mt. Tabor Visitor Center can be accessed by entering the park at SE 60th & Salmon. The visitor center is located adjacent to the main parking lot, next to the Crater Amphitheater. The Portland Water Bureau graciously provided furniture for the center.

The center is open weekends from 10am-3pm, and at times during the week. For more info on hours please email davehillman@comcast.net.

Visitors to the new center may take free brochures, view a wall of historical photos, and pick up walking maps. More brochures on area geology, plants, trees, and wildlife are being planned for the near future. Friends of Mt. Tabor Park is a volunteer friends group and partner of Portland Parks & Recreation. Members conduct foot patrols and stewardship at Mt. Tabor Park. They recognize that Mt.Tabor Park is a Portland landmark and a destination park for Rose City neighbors and visitors.